The Woods: A Luxury Canine Resort and Spa in South Carolina
What The Woods offers dogs while you're away
The Woods is a boarding and daycare facility in South Carolina that houses dogs in private suites rather than kennels, with access to play areas, swimming, grooming, and training services. The facility operates as a resort-style setting where dogs stay in climate-controlled rooms and spend time in group play or individual activities depending on their temperament and your preferences. Unlike traditional kennels, The Woods emphasizes enrichment—trainers work with dogs during their stay, and the property includes a swimming pool and outdoor play yards.
The facility caters to owners who want their dogs to have structured activity and socialization while boarding, not just containment. Dogs can participate in group play sessions, receive one-on-one training, or enjoy quieter days depending on what suits them. The grooming spa means your dog can return home bathed and trimmed, which many owners find worth the added cost.
Key Takeaways
- The Woods houses dogs in private suites with climate control rather than traditional kennels, and includes group play yards and a swimming pool on the property.
- Boarding packages can include training sessions, grooming, and structured enrichment activities, so you choose the level of service that fits your dog's needs and your budget.
- The facility separates dogs by temperament and play style during group sessions, so shy or senior dogs are not forced into high-energy play.
- Daycare is available for dogs whose owners work during the day, offering an alternative to leaving a dog alone at home.
- Pricing varies by room type, length of stay, and add-on services like training or grooming, so contacting the facility directly gives you an accurate quote for your situation.
Room types and what's included in boarding
The Woods offers different suite options, with variations in size and amenities. Standard suites provide a private sleeping area and access to common play spaces. Premium or deluxe suites may include larger rooms, additional enrichment time, or priority access to activities. All dogs receive daily feeding according to their home diet, fresh water, and climate-controlled shelter.
Boarding packages typically include basic care—feeding, water, and supervised time in play areas—but training sessions, grooming, swimming, and extended one-on-one attention are usually add-ons you can select. This structure lets you customize the stay to your dog's needs and your budget. A dog with high energy might benefit from extra training sessions or pool time, while an older dog might prefer a quieter suite with minimal group play.
Training and enrichment during boarding
The Woods employs trainers who work with dogs during their stay, not just watch them. Training can address specific behaviors—loose-leash walking, recall, jumping on guests—or simply provide mental stimulation through games and commands. This means your dog leaves not just exercised but potentially with improved skills, depending on what you arrange beforehand.
Enrichment activities include swimming in the facility's pool, which is low-impact exercise especially valuable for dogs with joint issues or those recovering from injury. Trainers also use puzzle toys, scent work, and structured play to keep dogs mentally engaged. The facility's staff can tell you during a consultation which activities suit your dog's age, fitness level, and temperament.
Daycare for working owners
If you work during the day and don't want your dog home alone, The Woods offers daycare where dogs spend structured hours in play, training, or rest depending on the program you choose. Daycare is priced separately from boarding and typically runs during business hours. Dogs go home in the evening rather than staying overnight.
Daycare works well for dogs with separation anxiety, high energy, or those who benefit from socialization. The facility can tell you their daycare schedule and whether they offer drop-in rates or require weekly packages. Some owners use daycare a few days a week, others daily.
Grooming services at the spa
The on-site spa handles bathing, nail trimming, ear cleaning, and full grooming. Many owners book grooming to coincide with boarding—your dog arrives, spends several days playing and training, gets groomed before checkout, and goes home clean and trimmed. This saves a separate trip to a groomer and means your dog's grooming happens in a place where staff already know them.
Grooming pricing is separate from boarding and depends on your dog's size, coat type, and the services you choose. A simple bath and nail trim costs less than a full haircut. Ask about their grooming timeline when you book—some facilities groom dogs on their last day, others earlier in the stay.
How to prepare your dog for a stay
Before your dog's first visit, The Woods will ask about diet, medical needs, behavior, and any triggers or fears. Bring enough of your dog's regular food for the entire stay—sudden diet changes can cause digestive upset. Pack any medications, supplements, or special items like a favorite toy or blanket that smells like home.
If your dog has never boarded before, a daycare visit or short overnight stay helps them adjust to the environment and staff. Dogs with anxiety or behavioral issues should be discussed with the facility in advance so they can plan appropriate supervision and activities. Bring vaccination records—most boarding facilities require proof of current rabies and DHPP vaccines.
Pricing and booking
The Woods' pricing depends on room type, length of stay, and services you add. A standard suite for one night costs less than a premium suite for multiple nights. Training sessions, grooming, swimming, and extra play time are charged separately. Daycare rates differ from overnight boarding rates.
Contact The Woods directly for a quote based on your dog's needs and your travel dates. Many facilities offer discounts for longer stays or regular customers. Ask whether they have availability during peak travel seasons—holidays and summer often book up weeks in advance. Some facilities require a deposit to hold your reservation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What vaccines does my dog need to board at The Woods?
Most boarding facilities require current rabies vaccination and DHPP (distemper, hepatitis, parvovirus, parainfluenza). Some also require bordetella (kennel cough vaccine). Bring vaccination records with you or have your veterinarian send them directly to The Woods before your dog's arrival. Ask the facility about their specific requirements when you book.
Can I board a dog with medical conditions or medications?
Yes. Tell The Woods about any medications, allergies, or health issues during your consultation. Bring medications in their original bottles with clear labels and instructions. The facility's staff will administer medications as directed. Dogs with chronic conditions like arthritis or diabetes can board, but the facility needs to know in advance so they can provide appropriate care and monitoring.
What if my dog has never boarded before?
A short daycare visit or one-night stay helps your dog adjust to the environment and staff. Some dogs settle in immediately; others need a few hours to acclimate. Bring a familiar toy or blanket. The Woods' staff can tell you how your dog is doing during the stay, and most facilities allow you to call for updates.
Do you offer pickup and drop-off services?
Many boarding facilities offer transportation for an additional fee, but this varies. Ask The Woods whether they provide pickup and drop-off and what the cost is. If you drop off and pick up yourself, confirm their hours—most have specific check-in and check-out times, and late pickups may incur extra charges.
Can my dog stay during holidays?
The Woods typically operates year-round, including holidays, but availability fills quickly during peak travel times like Thanksgiving, Christmas, and summer vacation. Book as early as possible if you need holiday boarding. Some facilities charge premium rates during holidays or require longer minimum stays.